Director, Climate, Energy and Environment Vel Gnanendran CMG

Biography

Vel has worked for the British Government for over 15 years in various international roles covering defence, development and diplomacy.

Immediately prior to coming to Tanzania, he was Chief of Staff to the Secretary of State for International Development. A post he held for 2 and half years.

He also served with DFID in Afghanistan and Pakistan and with the Foreign Office in Nigeria.

Vel studied Economics at the University of Cambridge and has a Master’s degree in International Relations from the University of Warwick.

In 2022 Vel was appointed Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George.

Previous roles in government

  • Head of DFID Tanzania